checkpoint 1a

patriotic cards

blob cards

fear cards

see something

scan and lamp

cards example

plexiglass and cards

observer

Toilet paper

About the Project

above: Excerpt of the installation includes video responses in opposition to the ban and Islamophobia

SURVEILLANCE: Silence = Death

This art installation is inspired by souvenirs decks of cards that were sold around ground zero within days of the attack on 9/11. One deck vilifies the Iraqi military. Another deck of cards called “Operation Iraqi Freedom, US Military Heroes” promoted the US military.

Seventeen years later there has been over 65% increase in hate crimes against Muslim-Americans.

On January 27, 2017 newly elected President Trump signed an executive order, which banned entry into the United States from seven majority-Muslim countries – Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Simulating airport security checkpoints SURVEILLANCE: Silence = Death looks at the history of Muslims in America, the emotional toll on Muslim Americans living under FBI and police surveillance, the expansion of legalized surveillance in Congress and in courts. “Are we safer now?”

Some of the videos throughout the installation reflect different reactions to the Muslim Ban, arson attacks and vandalism at mosques, harassment of women wearing Muslim head coverings. While other videos document the rallies against Islamic law where people see Islam as a threat to American values.

The installation is constantly evolving, reflecting current events. It addresses the feelings and emotions about something many people are coping with or dealing with, making it completely relevant to viewers from different political perspectives.